Eastern Redbud Tree

Eastern Redbud Tree for Sale: The Native Tree That Opens Spring

The eastern redbud tree (Cercis canadensis) is a native flowering tree that grows 20 to 30 feet tall and covers its branches in rosy-pink to purple blooms in March and April. Eastern redbud is hardy in USDA zones 4–9 and grows in full sun to partial shade. TN Nursery ships bare-root eastern redbud trees, Buy 1 Get 1 Free.

Eastern redbud belongs to the legume (pea) family, Fabaceae, and is native to eastern and central North America, from southern Ontario and New Jersey to Florida, Texas and northern Mexico. Gardeners also call the eastern redbud tree redbud, red bud and American redbud, and eastern redbud is the state tree of Oklahoma. Pea-like flowers open before the leaves, then glossy, heart-shaped leaves follow and turn yellow in fall.

• Botanical name: Cercis canadensis, legume family (Fabaceae)
• Also called: redbud tree, American redbud, red bud tree
• Flowers: half-inch, pea-like, rosy-pink to magenta-purple blooms in March–April, lasting 2 to 3 weeks
• Foliage: 3- to 5-inch heart-shaped leaves, reddish when new, green in summer and yellow in fall
• Form: rounded, spreading crown, often with several trunks; 25–35 feet wide
• Wildlife value: early spring nectar for native bees and butterflies, seeds for birds and host plant for Henry's elfin butterfly
• What ships: bare-root trees in 1–2 ft, 2–3 ft and 3–4 ft sizes; Buy 1 Get 1 Free, Buy 3 Get 2 Free and 25-tree wholesale packs

What Does an Eastern Redbud Tree Look Like?

An eastern redbud tree is a small, spreading tree with dark bark, zigzag branches and clusters of bright pink-purple flowers that bloom directly on the branches and trunk in early spring. In summer, the eastern redbud is covered in glossy, heart-shaped green leaves.

Redbud flowers grow along older limbs and even from the trunk, a trait called cauliflory, so the whole tree looks wrapped in color. Flat, bean-like seed pods 2 to 4 inches long follow the flowers and hang on into winter. In fall, the heart-shaped leaves turn butter yellow, and the zigzag branches give the bare tree a graceful winter outline.

How Big Do Eastern Redbud Trees Get?

Eastern redbud trees grow 20 to 30 feet tall and 25 to 35 feet wide, with a rounded crown that is often wider than it is tall. Eastern redbud grows at a moderate to fast rate of about 1 to 2 feet per year.

When Does the Eastern Redbud Bloom?

The eastern redbud blooms in early spring, in March and April, before the leaves open, and the flowers last 2 to 3 weeks. Eastern redbud is one of the first native trees to bloom each year.

In Tennessee, eastern redbud usually blooms in late March. Bloom time moves earlier in the Deep South and later in the North, reaching late April in zone 4 and 5 gardens. The early flowers give native bees and butterflies some of the first nectar of the season.

Where Should You Plant an Eastern Redbud Tree?

Plant an eastern redbud tree in full sun to partial shade, in well-drained soil, at least 10 to 15 feet from buildings. Eastern redbud grows in clay, loam or sandy soil, from acidic to alkaline, as long as the soil drains well.

In the wild, eastern redbud grows along woodland edges, so the tree fits naturally at the border of a lawn, in front of taller trees or as a single lawn specimen. For a row along a drive or property line, space eastern redbud trees 15 to 20 feet apart. Three to five redbuds planted in a loose group look like a small natural grove within a few years.

What Grows Well With Eastern Redbud?

Spring-flowering trees, evergreens and early bulbs grow well with eastern redbud. A white dogwood tree or pink dogwood tree blooms right after the redbud and extends the spring show. Daffodils and Christmas fern fill the ground beneath young trees. For purple summer foliage, add a Forest Pansy redbud beside the green-leaved eastern redbud. For reforestation, wildlife habitat or a large planting, our eastern redbud seedlings offer the same species in bulk. Browse more spring color in our flowering trees collection.

How Do You Plant a Bare-Root Eastern Redbud?

Plant a bare-root eastern redbud while it is dormant, from November through April, with the root collar at soil level in a hole twice as wide as the roots. Water deeply after planting and weekly during dry spells in the first summer.

At our Altamont, Tennessee nursery, we grow eastern redbud trees in the field, dig them while dormant and ship them bare root. Each tree arrives as a leafless young redbud with its roots packed in moist material, not as the full-grown tree in the photos.

1. Soak the roots in water for 2 to 4 hours.
2. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root spread and as deep as the roots.
3. Set the root collar level with the soil surface and spread the roots out.
4. Backfill with native soil, firm gently and water deeply.
5. Add 2 to 3 inches of mulch, keeping it 3 inches from the trunk.

Planting & Growing Information

Botanical Name: Cercis canadensis
Plant Family: Fabaceae (legume family)
Ships: Bare root, 1–2 ft, 2–3 ft or 3–4 ft
Planting Zone: 4–9
Height at Maturity: 20–30 feet tall, 25–35 feet wide
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast, 1–2 feet per year
Spacing: 15–20 feet apart
Sun or Shade: Full sun to partial shade
Water Needs: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
Soil: Well-drained clay, loam or sand; acidic to alkaline
Bloom Season: Early spring (March–April)
Flower Color: Rosy pink to magenta-purple
Fall Color: Yellow
Native Range: Eastern and central North America
Care: Prune lightly right after flowering to shape the crown and remove crossing branches.
Plant Attributes: Native, early spring blooms, heart-shaped leaves, pollinator friendly, adapts to many soils

Eastern Redbud Tree FAQ

How fast does an eastern redbud tree grow?

An eastern redbud tree grows about 1 to 2 feet per year once established, a moderate to fast rate for a flowering tree.

What zones does eastern redbud grow in?

Eastern redbud grows in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9.

Is eastern redbud a good tree for small yards?

Yes. Eastern redbud is a good tree for small yards because the tree stays 20 to 30 feet tall and fits beside patios, along driveways and in front-yard beds.

When should you prune a redbud tree?

Prune a redbud tree right after it finishes blooming in spring, so next year's flower buds stay on the branches.

When is the best time to plant a redbud tree?

The best time to plant a bare-root redbud tree is during dormancy, from November through April.

Are eastern redbud flowers edible?

Yes. Eastern redbud flowers are edible, with a mild, pea-like flavor, and they add bright color to spring salads.

Grown and Shipped by TN Nursery

TN Nursery has grown hardy native plants since 1959, more than 65 years of experience, and has supplied plants to major U.S. landmarks like the Washington Monument and Arlington National Cemetery. At our Altamont, Tennessee nursery, we grow eastern redbud trees in our own fields and ship them bare root during the dormant season. Want to learn more first? Read Radiant Redbud Elegance, 10 Trees That Bloom in Early Spring and Best Spring Blooming Trees on our garden blog, or browse our native trees.